Tay-too.
It’s one of the ways I remember my Tanner saying thank you.
On Wednesday we threw the most amazing dance party for my baby. It was everything I envisioned doing for him and so much more.
This party truly celebrated Tanner’s life, the joyful way he lived it, and all that he loved. It was perfect in every single way.
My sister had mentioned the DJ wasn’t sure how to approach a photo booth at a memorial service — this was a first. As he was setting up and began to see people arriving in capes and costumes he knew he had nothing to worry about.
This was no ordinary celebration.
But then, Tanner was an extraordinary kid.
This day will stay with me forever, Tanner would have loved every minute of it….
*Nearly 400 friends, old and new, and all in capes, costumes, sequins and bright colors
*562 photos… and we all know how much Tanner loved photos of himself.
*Stage wreaths adorned with Power Rangers, Hot Wheels and his 4th of July birthday ribbon
*A Power Ranger escort for the welcoming pastor
*A sing-along to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jingle Bells, Small World and Frozen’s “Let it Go.”
*Special friends who shared favorite memories
*Photo booth with tutus, capes and great hats
*A DJ playing all his favorite music
*Three dance numbers choreographed by his buddy just for him and a busy dance floor all night long
*The release of butterflies: dozens of “new friends” sent up to my special love
*Face painter doing beautiful glitter art and temporary tattoos
*A table displaying all of his favorite things, lovingly set up by his little brother
*More rice, noodles and desserts than he could eat in a lifetime
*…and his mom in a bright neon orange tank and one of his favorite capes.
It is safe to say I’ve never seen a more joy-filled celebration for any person, young or old, in my entire life.
Truly, it was perfect in every way.
I lack the right words to adequately thank all of you who took your time to show up. The effort you all made to celebrate Tanner and support those who loved him means the world to me and Travis.
Most of all, I’m so utterly and genuinely grateful to my mom, my sister, Jenny and Jessica who all spent a week rushing against the clock to help make my vision a reality when the reality of the day became too much for me to bear. Without you four, this would have never, ever happened. I would still be cleaning the garage in total denial.
I’m grateful to Darrell who continually offered help in any way needed.
To all of you who pitched in to help, whether DJing, dancing, bringing food, set-up, sound, making cape suckers, butterfly art, selling capes, or anything else I forgot… thank you.
To everyone at Voyagers who helped and supported the Celebration, thank you. To his Northwood High School, Lakeside Middle School and Meadow Park Elementary staff and friends, Mariner’s HSM and JHM ministries, HiCaliber Villagers, Diamondbacks, Terry Brown friends, neighbors and everyone else…. thank you for taking the time to be present.
My baby boy was so loved.
So very loved.
Don’t stop dancing.
Tanner, my baby boy, I love you. Mom-mom loves you.
